Private The lights in the shadows.

[Marakai Al'Orren]

Being at the Silver Rest of Kashyyyk was a blessing.​

For almost ten years, Mara had spent all of her time living and breathing war so others wouldn't have to. It was easy to lose herself in the rhythm that war provided. Easy to suppress the pain and memories she wished she could move past; those stubborn ones that dug their claws in deep and refused to leave her in peace even after so many years.​

She sighed softly, waving to a group of younglings just outside the doorway, watching them enjoy the bright sunlight with the simple joy that children carried with them to everything. Shifting to her massive feline form, she padded over to greet them and accept the delighted head pats. Would that the Force was not calling her to the forest beyond, she could have spent a happy afternoon assisting in their lessons and giving them rides about the 'Rest.​

Prying herself free eventually, she snuffled each of their heads then turned to bound off towards the tree line. Content and at ease as Mara was on Kashyyyk, something drew her forward into the trees. Trusting to the Force, she followed an unseen path through the thick trees and undergrowth. Breathing deep, she couldn't help but purr with contentment, the sound rumbling deep within her chest. Her nose twitched and she paused her silent trek, staring forward toward a visible path that led down to the water.​

There was someone there, lingering alone, and Mara stalked forward on silent paws once more, wondering how close she could get before the Padawan noticed her. Perhaps not the most polite way to introduce herself, but there was still a small kernel of hope that it would end better than it usually did.​

A very small kernel of very stubborn hope.​

Tom Kovack​

 

[Tom Kovack]

A few acquaintances who passed Tom in the hallway asked him where he was headed. Tom told them he was going to find a quiet place to meditate. The rooms in Silver Rest were too noisy for him—yes, even the designated meditation rooms. He needed not just quiet, but solitude. The kind only the forest could provide.

He had grown up on a jungle world, with the sounds of the wild serving as his cradle songs. Out here, where the environment was similar enough to remind him of home, he was at peace. He could think, he could rest, watch the birds and the beasts…

Speaking of beasts, he heard something purring behind him. He didn’t jump or whirl around; any sharp movements would only aggravate a predator on the hunt. Instead, he continued to walk along the riverbank, slowly and without hurry, waiting to see if the creature would follow him.

It did. He couldn’t sense its presence until it got close to him, a faint pulse against his consciousness like warm breath on the back of his neck—and he certainly couldn’t sense whether it was sentient or not, much less its intentions. Still moving at a relaxed pace, he let go of the plucked flower he had been idly toying with, his hand drifting to the weapon at his hip as he turned around to face his stalker.

“Boo.”

Marakai Al'Orren​

 

[Marakai Al'Orren]

He was someone who seemed to have a familiarity and a level of comfort in the jungle that few others in her acquaintance had. This was an unexpected bonus, she mused, and made a mental note to inquire about it when the moment allowed.

For now, however, she contented herself with following him on his trek, and finding the moment he heard her in the slight shift of his posture. His control was impeccable, and that she would have to commend him on at some point. It wasn't often she came across someone who knew how best to deal with a possible predator stalking them.

The flower petals fell to the ground and she absently watched the bloom settle into the trampled grass of the pathway. In a distinctly feline gesture, she canted her head at the sound of his voice, some form of a smile stretching her feline features. Though really, all the expression did was show off more of her fangs than was proper for a first meeting with someone she didn't intend to have for lunch.

It was enough of a moment, however, for the Force to ripple in a circle around him before fading back into it's usual comforting, supportive presence. He was the reason the Force had drawn her out this afternoon, and she nodded before taking a deep breath and shifting back into her human form. Her eyes retained the golden, slitted form of her feline half for several moments, fading to a deep metallic amber.

"Name's Marrrra...technically, Jedi Masterrrr Marrrakai Al'Orrrren, but I rrrreally don't like standing on that much cerrremony. Rrrreally nice to meet someone who didn't flip out instinctually." she said brightly, stepping forward to offer her hand after absently smoothing out her sleeveless shirt.

Tom Kovack​